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Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by TWP Help
We are here to help you with your TWP exterior deck or wood restoration project for 2024!
TWP is an advanced wood preservative/protectant registered by the EPA. Performance and longevity can vary though depending on the wood type, how the wood is prepped, the age of wood, and how the TWP is applied. We want everyone who has decided to use TWP 100, 1500, or 200 Series to have the best possible results.
TWP Stain Tips and Help
When asking questions please give us some information about your wood restoration project:
- What structure is your wood? Examples would be: Deck, Wood Siding, Fence, etc
- What species is the wood? Examples: Treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood, Ipe, etc
- Is the wood new or older than 1 year?
- Has the wood been stained previously with a different brand? Please specify brand name and type of stain used: Examples: Solid stain, Semi-Transparent Stain, etc.
- Any additional info that would be useful
Once you supply us with the information, we will able to give you advice as to how to prep your wood and any needed instructions for the TWP application.
Please ask your questions in the comment area.
Thanks
I purchased 5 gallons of a 1500 series color last year. There was about a gallon or so left in the 5-gallon can. When I recently opened it I found the product was jelled. It is still stirrable, so I am wondering if I can use a mixing paddle with a drill to stir it well to re-liquify it and if adding a little mineral spirits or laquer thinner would help re-liquify it while mixing? I have an additional 2 gallons I purchased this year that are fine.
If I can mix this to make it usable again, I would strain it and clean out the 5-gallon can well then mix everything together before using the product.
Can I do this?
It has gone bad.
Please excuse just two more questions. First, for application of RAD brightener, is wet, damp or dry wood optimal? Second, can I use a spray bottle like one use with applying RAD steps 1 and 2 to apply the stain, or is dipping a pad into a tray preferred for efficient application?
Thanks
Damp wood for brightener. You can use a pump sprayer with the stain but you should back wipe to ensure an even application.
which would be best the 200 series or the 1500 series for 3/4″ rough sawed T1-11 siding in the mountains of WV? I can’t decide.
They would both work equally well in this scenario. If the wood is very dried out, then use the 200 Series.
If a stray shower pops up the day I stain, can I cover the new stain with a tarp? or overnight if a overnight shower is possible? Thanks. (don’t think it will every quit raining here in SE Tex!) 🙁 The deck is covered but the west side catches a lot of blowing rain.
No, do not cover. You need it exposed to dry and cure correctly.
so…what happens if it gets wet while still curing?
It needs 6-12 hours after applying before rain can come. If rain is in forecast, do not apply the TWP.
Can i buy just the fence cleaner, not the kit?
Only comes in the kit.
I will be staining Wed and wondered about back brushing…can you step on the wet stain in order to reach a shiny spot to back brush? Do you just back brush your foot prints? Thanks
Yes, you an step on it but if you do, wipe any shoe steps as well as you back off.
I am staining new pine deck (new last December) next week with semi solid Driftwood. I will prep 3 days before. I want to know how long it needs to “cure” before I can “drag” wrought iron furniture across it. I live alone, so lifting furniture isn’t an option! Thanks
Definitely never drag furniture as it will damage the stain and the wood. No stain will hold up against heavy iron furniture. Maybe get some of those pads or discs that allow the furniture to slide across the surface. The stain does need to cure for a few days.
Guess I should have asked this question before I ordered… all iron furniture has brand new plastic protectors they come with on each foot, but not “slides’ like you can put under inside furniture to move. But…full cure will only take a few days not weeks?
Typically a few days. We would suggest buying some slides.
Will slides work on deck boards? The gap in between won’t screw it up?
Furniture slides are large discs about 6″ around.
My existing twp stained deck is faded, has some signs of mold when wet and needs a good cleaning. Do you recommend pressure washing or just using the cleaner and brightener before a new coat?
You always need to use the Gemini Restore Kit while pressure washing for prep when recoating.
Is it better to pressure wash or to scrub with a brush?
Pressure wash.
Hello,
I have a deck with a coat of semi transparent under a coat of sid stain. The solid stain has a texture added.
Planning on replacing weathered boards, using the RAD stripper and a TWP semi transparent stain.
Should I replace wood before or after stripping?
Any additional steps between stripping and staining besides letting deck dry and remove any dry leaves, ect.?
Thanks,
Paul
Do you want to fully remove the solid stain down to the bare wood? Please post some pics.
Hi. I only want to strip the deck to bare wood if I have to.
You have not choice but to remove this sold stain if you want to use the TWP Stains. You will need this stripper and possibly some sanding as well.
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
Ok great…any additional steps after using the wood stripper? Also, do you recommend replacing boards before or after the deck stripping?
Just make sure it is clean and free of the solid stain. Doesn’t matter when you replace the wood new but you cannot stain new wood right away: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a 3 year old cedar deck, I have only used TWP 100 cedartone on it. It is in a hot area and does get quite a bit of rain. I have to reapply every year. I gets very flaky and peels off, am I doing something incorrectly? Thanks!
I think you have over-applied or have too many coats. Strip and brighten this time so you are down to the bare wood.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Can the TWP Semi-Solid Stain Pro-Series be applied to over a 2 day period or does it need to be applied the same day?
Best to do sam day to avoid overlaps but you can break it up if you have clear stop lines.
I stained my deck with TWP 3-4 years ago. Guessing I need the restore/brightener kit and another series of stain . Attaching a picture for your reference, and would appreciate your recommendation on how to proceed. Also, since we are in mid-May (in Michigan), should I proceed now, or wait until fall? Finally, if you could confirm the amount and shade I ordered last time, I cannot seem to find my prior order information.
Prep with our Gemini Restore Kit and then recoat. Do it now or Fall is okay.
Reside in Ohio. I learned of TWP, but after using Valspar stripper and brightened. Looking at the 1500 series for pool deck in dark walnut. Does this deck appear good enough to stain yet?
Yes, prep looks good.
I am thinking of using TWP Semi-Solid Stain Pro-Series for my new deck that is almost a year old 2 more months, and it will be a year old. Should I wait the 2 months? I do not have any help to apply the stain, if i do not finish applying the stain in one day could i finish it the next day? What is the ideal temperature to apply this stain? I am in Michigan.
You do not need to wait 12 months for the semi-solids. Anywhere between 6-12 is okay. Best to prep first one day and then a few days later apply the stain.
Hello, I have a deck that was recently sanded due to stains that were on it previously. I used the TWP 1500 honeytone stain. The deck looks darker in certain spots and lighter in others. What can I do to correct this?
That is an internal dislocation that was there prior to staining. You cannot fix it with the stain on. You would have to strip and brighen the wood and start over.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I’ve used TWP 100 about every two years to reseal my covered, screened in back porch. It’s time to reseal again, would I be better protecting my pine deck and screened sides using TWP 1500? I have always used the 115 HoneyTone. Would I have more protection with the HoneyTone 1515? Thanks much, Greg
They last the same on a porch so no advantage to switching.
Thank You, response in 20 minutes was great!!!
Hello,
We have applied 1500 to the deck and we have a glossy look in spots which we now now is because too much stain was applied. Right now with a slight rain, the deck is like ice, is that the primary reason?
Once I apply mineral spirts to remove the glossy, should the slickness go away?
Thanks,
Jerry
See this for tips: https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
It really depends on how much it was over-applied.
Id 1Rad stripper safe to use on iron wood?
Yes, make sure to brighten after.
I live in Northern California. Can I purchase TWP Semi Solid Pro Series and have it shipped here? How long will it last without peeling or fading? I want black color. Do you have sales at Memorial Day?
Sorry but no, it is not allowed in CA.
Hello. I want to restain the flooring of my deck due to spotty, uneven, horrible looking original coat. I originally started this project last year on a new deck. The deck had sat 1 full year before applying any stain to it. We used a valspar “1” coat full covering stain and sealer. Obviously from the pictures you can see it looks absolutely horrible. My dad uses y’all’s products and was highly disappointed in me for not taking his advice to use your stains in the first place but…. here we are.. Can you guys direct what I need to do and what products you would suggest me to use at this point? I don’t mind the darkness of the stain because I do not plan to redo railings since they do not look spotty. Thanks!
You will need to remove all before staining with the TWP. Try the Restore a Deck Stripper with both additives and then the brightener after to remove this coating while pressure washing.
I have both 6 month old treated deck boards/stairs/top railings and old deck floor boards (at least 9 years old). Which board should I test a stain sample on?
Since the test stain board will not be prepped beforehand, will this be an accurate reflection of how the color will turn out once the boards are prepped?
Both will come out a different color due to the different ages and densities of the wood. Older will be darker in color than the newer boards.
Should I do 1 coat on my old boards or 2? I recently had the old boards flipped and plan on stripping/brightening them beforehand.
I’m only supposed to do 1 coat on the new boards, right?
Do one coat on all wood this time.
Okay thanks for your help!
I’m trying to provide more protection to a few vintage cabins at a girls’ camp. There are logs and wood shingles. I don’t know what wood they are. Can you help with specifications for proper cleaning and necessary works, and what products to use in each step? Thanks!
Strip and brighten for prep with this while pressure washing:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Stain all after with the TWP 1500 Series:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
I have an older deck, not sure exactly how old as it was here before I moved in. It was already stained, however the horizontal boards lost their stain pretty dramatically while the vertical rails and area under a roof held up pretty well. I’ve already sanded nearly the entire deck with 40 grit, but the areas between the vertical rails is proving very difficult, if not impossible to sand even with a thin multi-tool sander.
Am I clear to use the Gemini stripper on those difficult areas even if some of the residual falls onto the newly sanded boards?
Also, I plan on going over the horizonal boards and the tops of the verticals with 80 grit to smooth it over a bit as they get more foot/hand traffic and I don’t want to to be super rough. Should I do a single coat of 1500 on that or use the wet on wet process?
Yes, you can strip the rest off. Sand with 80 grit and then use the Gemini Restore kit for prep. Just one coat if stain.
Hi! Working on my 14 yr old pressure treated deck in Northern Michigan. Had used Olympic solid stain that was peeling off.
Have chemically stripped it using sherwin williams product and now working on sanding it down. What are next steps please? Planning to use cape cod gray twp 100 for decking, then thinking about a white solid stain or paint for the trim. Thanks
Use this after the sanding for final prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Is there an additive I can add to twp stains to help control carpenter bees
https://www.twpstain.com/bug-juice-insecticide
What does this mean? Is lightly clean just lightly washing with pressure washer and some soap, let dry and in my case apply one coat of twp 1500?
Depending on how long TWP lasts, you will want to lightly clean the wood surface and apply a maintenance coat of TWP to revitalize your exterior wood surface.
If you are recoating the TWP you will need this for proper prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Do you have suggestions regarding restoring a weathered cedar roof?
The TWP 200 Series. Make sure to prep first.
I purchased the 1500 series, and wanted to know if wet on wet was not done can I go back and add a second coat A day later?
Second question: some of the decking had a glossy look, not sure what caused it? Ideas for correction?
No, second coats need to be wet on wet. It is over applied if glossy:
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I have stripped and flipped my deck boards to stain again, I replaced quite a few boards along with all the rails and balusters, so now will wait to stain, hopefully Mid October giving the new wood 5 months to dry. Question is, is it too early to clean and brighten or should I wait till it gets closer to the time I will stain ?
Wait until Fall.
Having an issue w/prior stain removal using RAD stripper. This is after two applications. It seemed to have removed a sealer but most of the solids remain. Suggestions?
You have a “filming” coating on top of your wood. The RAD stripper cannot remove this coating type. You need either the booster and gel additives or the RAD PaintStrip to get this off.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-instructions
What is the lightest stain color in the 100 series? Would like more of a protectant than a color.
Honeytone 115.
What is the best stain for 20 year old cedar log home? We think prior stain was twp but not certain. It’s so faded I don’t think it’s a problem.
You will need to remove the old stain first. Post some pics for prep help. Stain with the TWP 1500 Series after.
Deck is five years old. We had Olympic Elite SemiTransparent stain. It started to peel after only 1 year. We removed the stain, then sanded w orbital sander using 80 grit sandpaper, applied Valspar All In One wood prep cleaner and brightener, and then power washed the deck. Do we still need to do the Gemini deck restore or can we now apply TWP stain? Also we are in northern Illinois. so harsh winters and deck is full sun in summer during the heat of the day. Shade morning and late afternoon evenings. Would the 100 or 1500 series be the best?
You will need to remove teh Valspar. When switching stain brands of semi-transprent, you have to remove the prior stain. Post some pics for prep. You need the 1500 series for IL.
We did not restain the deck. The Valspar was a cleaner and brightener. I mentioned it by brand to see if we still needed to also use the Gemini cleaner and brightener since we already did that. Here is the prep we did
1- Removed old stain
2- Sanded with orbital sander 80 grit
3-cleaned with Valspar cleaner and brightener all in one
4- Power washed the deck
I am not able to send pictures right now but can if they are still required.
Sorry, we misunderstood. You should be good to stain now.
No problem! Appreciate the quick replies! Ordering my samples now – excited to try this product.
I purchased the RAD stripper, brightener and the two additives. We have black hog wire built into the railing. Do we need to cover the hog wire to protect the finish?
We do not think it will harm this.
I have been using your product on my house and Timber fence for 6+ years now and it works great. It’s time to restrain a portion of my fence and I am curious if the 2 gallons that I have in the garage are still good to use. The product appears to be fine, just needs to be mixed well.
Product is: TWP 1503 Dark Oak – Max VOC Formula
The shelf life if opened is 12 months. Unopedn is 2-3 years.
Hello, I need advice please. I have Cedar Shutters (rough sewn) and 2- 10″x10″ cedar posts on the front porch of the house. They are 2 years old and were newly stained with Minwax Semi- Transparent Clear Natural (209) and then sealed with Minwax Helmsman Urethane clear satin. The natural wood was beautiful from the beginning. Unfortunately, the sun has taken a toll on the shutters and only one post the way the sun hits it. I need to try to refinish all of them to try to make them look consistent. So, some of them are in good shape, the others are terrible. I have noticed some minor specks of mold/mildew. How should I get the surface clean and re-stain/seal? I am sure that I cannot sand on these rough planks of wood. I like the natural look of cedar, NOT something that looks orange. I guess toward the brownish tones I like. Maybe the 1501 Cedartone? Is this product oil based or water based? Please see attached photos of new construction and then current. I have shutters and one post that are still in excellent shape for they are not in direct sunlight. The others look totally washed out.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
You will need to remove them first. Strip off with this product:
https://www.twpstain.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-strippers
Stain after the TWP 1500. Any color that you like:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
It is oil based.
Trying to figure out witch product of yours to use on my Cedar deck that is 28 years old Always used transparent super deck. Duck back on it that has quit makinging it bought up buy sheriam Williams . I am washing it today with restore cleaner and then brighter. I just replaced a few boards with new hoping to find something that will hold up for a while because at 68 it becoming a real job keeping it up witch one of your products do recommend 100 or 200 or 1500 ???? Thank you
Post some pics in the comments for prep help.
Did you ever get an answer to what recommended product?? I have the same question!
Do you have samples of the TWP 100? I would like to see what it is going to look like before i buy. Thank you.
https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Which TWP product would be best for cedar fencing? Looking for something clear but also good UV and mildew protection. Thanks!
Has to be tinted for UV protection. The lightest tint is the Honeytone. Use the TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
ran out of stain before steps were done, can I just do steps or do I have to redo whole deck?
Just the steps.
What would you recommend for ipe deck?
The TWP 1500 or 100 Series in Rustic color.
(I tried to post this previously but don’t see a response. I’m sorry if this is duplicated) I stained my deck last weekend. On certain horizontal portions I applied to coats, wet on wet. It appeared as if the stain was not absorbing, and I was concerned that I was over applying. On the remaining horizontal portions, applied only one coat. It rained three days after applying the stain, and the portions that have two coats appear to be holding up much better. The water is clearly pooling on the 2 quart portion and seems to be absorbing on the one coat portion. I’m wondering if I can apply a very thin second coat to the one coat portions or if I should just not worry about it.( I’ve read through prior responses and advice seems to vary.) I have attached photos for more detail.
Leave it alone. It will be fine. Adding more on top could create issues with drying and curing.
Is there a TWP dealer in Roswell, GA where I can buy a gallon of TWP 1520 Pecan stain?
Hi Ray,
We are an online dealer for TWP products and we ship direct only. You can order from our website. Takes about 2-3 days to arrive to GA.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-1500-series
We had our new deck stained with TWP Dark Oak. It appears brown from some angles on the treated wood but is an almost flourescent redish orange on the cedar. We hate it. It looks like something straight out of the 70’s. What can be done to tame it down on the cedar?
You will need to strip it off and start over.
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Also, did you follow directions for new wood? https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Last year we used the TWP Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener kit on our screened porch and outdoor deck. It did a fabulous job!
This year I feel like we just need to clean the wood on the screened porch – because it is protected it does not need to be re-stained. Because it is exposed to the sun and elements, the outdoor deck needs to be both cleaned and restained.
What product(s) do you recommend – I don’t feel like we need to do the two-step process the year, just a basic clean and stain. Thank you!
Same prep as before for the outdoor deck when restaining.
so the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener kit?
Correct.
Can you send a physical color chart for pro series semi solid stains?
We do not have any printed charts but you can download it and print it from your computer.
https://www.twpstain.com/pdf/TWP%20Semi-Solid%20Wood%20Stain%20Color%20Chart.pdf
Is there a place that sells pro series semi solid stains in the Minneapolis,
MN area?
There is not. You can order online from our website to have it shipped.
My friend recommended this brand to me for my redwood deck I installed oct 2022. It has not been tested but is now weathered, discolored, and dirty from Utah winter. I was planning to sand it then seal it but I’ve seen a recommendation here that says not to sand first. Can you give me a step by step recommendation on how to prep and a which sealant would best bring out the natural redwood grain. I want it to stay as close to the original redwood color as possible. Photos are the wood at installation vs now
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and then Stain with the TWP 1500 Series. Honeytone is the lightest color. Similar to a clean wet look.
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Used TWP 100 Honeytone two years ago. Properly prepped, cleaned and brightened. Followed all directions, 2 coats wet on wet. Had significant fading after first year in full sun areas. Was advised to clean and apply one coat last spring. Now thst winters past and we’re getting a good look at the deck we have peeling in spots. I thought this wasn’t supposed to peel. Really just wondering what’s best moving forward? Clean and reapply one coat? How Will thst look on peeled areas? Really don’t want to strip again. Thanks.
Use this kit for prep:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Then 2 coats applied wet on wet. It will not peel if the stain fully absorbs into the wood so do not over-apply.
You say that series 200 is a semi transparent stain, but then it is stated that it is 94% solids. Which is it?
Solid content does not equate to transparency. It is a semi-transparent.